Maharani

Indian Restaurant in Soho
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No longer at this address

Our records show that Maharani is closed.

Address
77 Berwick Street
Soho
London
W1F 8TH
Map
Cuisine
Indian
Region
Soho
Nearest Station
Oxford Circus
0.25 miles
Restaurant Facilities

Disabled Facilities

Credit Cards Accepted

Music Played

Live Music Played

Booking Advisable

Maharani Soho originally founded in 1971 by Abdul Kalam, became famous in its day as the rendezvous place of choice for former regulars, including, Jonathon Ross, The two Ronny’s, Sir Ian McKellen, latterly Colin Ferrell.

Becoming a legendary part of bohemian Soho’s history, Maharani Soho’s new look is actually a bright, fresh feel. Near most West End theatres, and growing in fame for its incredible offering and renowned for its buzzing, convivial atmosphere, the restaurant suits all occasions and budgets.

There is also a delicious array of starters – with many available in both snack and more substantial sizes. These include: Devil Prawn (£6.95/£12.95); Lamb chops (£6.95/£12.95) Ragra Patisse, a vegetarian offering made to our chef’s personal recipe (£5.95)
Luxurious seafood dishes, Lobster pepper fry... (£19.95) Begum-e-Samundar – Whole Sea bass marinated in coconut, whole spices all wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed (£12.95). Lighter bites, like Murg tikka (£8.95), are available for those who don’t want a full three-course meal. Try a traditional Chat Ki Jinga – four succulent king prawn’s, garnished with our own lime pickle (£12.95).
Meat lovers can indulge in: A selection of our tandoori se, based on a recipe that has not changed in 60 years (£7.95/£19.95) Bhuni Duck (£12.95) Heerni Ki Chops Venison chops delicately marinated in fresh Indian green herbs and finished with sweet chilli...(£19.95) A wide choice of vegetarian dishes are also available.

The dessert Bar has a select pick of our Chef’s, unattainable, sweets...You will not find these offerings anywhere else. Homemade Indian Malua...This sweet dish made from beetroot, cooked with malaises, zest of lemon, fine brandy and topped with Pistachio ice cream, (£5.95) will finish any meal... if this is not tickling the taste buds then try our homemade Rasmalai...made from paneer, Indian cottage cheese, mixed with a hint of cardamom swimming in a bath of homemade cream and topped Saffron. Leaving the pallet clean and sweet...

With its location between bustling Oxford Street and Shaftsbury Avenue on Berwick Street, the new look Maharani is a terrific town centre location for lunches, dinners, parties, presentations, launches and screenings. The lower floor has been carefully updated providing 40 extra seats taking our total to 90, and offering a host of private dining room and party options. The space has had a very sympathetic makeover in keeping with the venue’s long history. Though the faded red carpet and ...wallpaper have been consigned to Maharani Soho’s archives, the new look retains the dining room’s sense of occasion with its red floral chairs and traditionally laid tables. By night, it positively sparkles as candles and candelabras are lit throughout. In the 1970s and 80s, much of the original interior was covered up or removed; Maharani Soho’s new incarnation takes the building, back closer to how it would have been in the past.
Maharani Soho is open seven days a week, from 11am to 1am Monday to Sunday.

Maharani Picture Gallery

Diners
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Diners
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Diners

All In London Review

Indian with a modern twist

Maharani Soho has been open since 1971. The Berwick St eatery seems inconspicuous from the outside - in fact I hadn’t paid much attention to it before visiting. We stepped in to a clean, polished interior with decoratively placed serviettes on the tables, and plonked ourselves down by a window whereby we could observe passers by rushing home.

Flicking through the menu I noted cuisine from different regions of India is featured, however upon closer inspection the description of each dish revealed very modern combinations of ingredients; think marinated venison chops or whole white pumpkin stuffed with Indian cheese, raisins and coriander.

As we turned the pages incessantly unable to decide between the many choices on offer, we wondered why this Soho restaurant might be so empty. We were the only people there, however it was after all a Monday evening, and this is definitely not your average Indian takeaway.

While we debated what to order we nibbled on poppadoms accompanied by a selection of homemade chutneys: a refreshing beetroot, cooling mint, and a very sweet pumpkin. We also sipped a full bodied Rioja Conde de Valdemar (£24.90).

We decided to be experimental with our food and order the most exotic sounding things on the menu, starting with broccoli paneer tikka (£5.95), two portions of paneer marinated in spices, served with pieces of roasted broccoli with melted cheese on top. The broccoli was peppery, and a salad with pitted black olives, bean sprouts, asparagus, and tomato came on the side.

Our other starter was anjiri kumkum (£5.95), button mushrooms stuffed with figs and melted cheese. A rather curious choice for an Indian restaurant - it reminded me a little of the entrees you get at American fast food eateries. The figs and paneer cheese however, make this a different experience altogether.

For our main course we ordered the Goan fish curry (£14.95) and the highly tempting venison chops (£19.95). Another unusual choice, we were curious as to how venison would translate in an Asian restaurant, but it was a surprisingly good marriage. Two chops, marinated in herbs and sweet chilli remained tender and with a robust, spicy flavour, yet without being overpowering.

The Goan fish curry on the other hand was very fiery for my gentle palate. Large chunks of halibut swam in a sauce that consisted of coconut milk and spices, though the coconut was barely perceptible over the seasoning, and I ate nearly an entire bowl of rice to cool my mouth down. Having said that, I admit to being something of a weakling when it comes to very piquant flavours.

For dessert we were brought Indian ice cream (£3.95), a milky concoction with cardamom and a sprinkling of pistachio, not overly sweet; and a beetroot variation of gajar halwa, the popular carrot sweet often consumed on special occasions. Beetroot is a surprisingly good alternative to carrot, with a velvety texture which seemed to melt in the mouth. Not an ounce remained of either dessert.

The food at Maharani is sophisticated, and each dish deserves time with which to be savoured and enjoyed; the prices reflect the care that has gone into their preparation. Despite having wandered into an empty restaurant to begin with, groups of people began to arrive at around 8pm and proceeded to order wine and starters, clearly at the start of a long feast. It’s no wonder Maharani has been going for almost 40 years.

Reviewed by Leila
Published on Apr 28, 2010


User Reviews

Anonymous

Oct 12, 2009

I stumbled on the Maharani quite by chance one evening while out with my husband. The food was so good we couldn't quite believe it and so returned again a few days later ... the quality and standard and friendly service were exactly the same, excellent.
Since then I've also used the delivery service and again the standard has been superb.
I'm a korma girl but my husband is more in the hot and spicey range.
The popadom starters are delightful with the pumpkin and beetroot dips/sauces being my favourite.
And if you like your tea strong, then I can recommend a cuppa at the end of it all.
Sounds too good to be true? That's why I've given it a 9 star rating - if I enjoy the same service for the next 12 months I'll deliver 10 as a regular customer.
Anonymous

Sep 8, 2009

We have been there twice and on both ocasions their service and food has been excellent. They have recently refurbished their restaurant too. In particular their homemade chutneys are worth going for alone. Amongst the best indian meals I've had in London.
Kate Thomson

Nov 7, 2005

It's a real shame to say this when the food was actually really good, but there is no way that I, or any of the group with me (there were 30 of us) would ever return to Maharani. I booked the whole restaurant for the exclusive use of our work party, and confirmed this with the manager in person and on the phone. However, when we arrived, there were other customers and they'd put extra tables in making it very cramped. Despite our complaints, they allowed further customers to enter throughout the evening. When I complained to the manager, he denied ever agreeing exclusive use, and became very aggressive and violent, shouting and calling me and my colleagues abusive names. A horrid experienc